<\/p>\n
\nShoppers at Sylvia Park, Auckland, on Boxing Day 2025.
\nPhoto: Ke-Xin Li \/ RNZ\n<\/p>\n
Bargain hunters have started their Boxing Day shopping early to avoid crowds and traffic.<\/p>\n
Auckland woman Lara finished her shopping at Sylvia Park shortly after the mall opened at 9am.<\/p>\n
“I only went to Lush, so I went really early to be on time for Lush. The parking was fine because I got here about 8.30am to be in time.”<\/p>\n
Lush opened at 9am, but Lara said there was already a long queue from 8.30am.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nShoppers at Sylvia Park, Auckland, on Boxing Day 2025.
\nPhoto: Ke-Xin Li \/ RNZ\n<\/p>\n
Shoppers arriving after 9am said it was hard to find parking.<\/p>\n
But the mall was not as busy as in previous years, some said.<\/p>\n
Patrick, who arrived at the mall at 9.30am, said it seemed less crowded than in previous years.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been here a couple of times on a Boxing Day – I’d say this year around has probably less people around.<\/p>\n
“I’d probably say it’s more towards the cost of living that affected everybody’s opportunity to come here.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nShoppers at Sylvia Park, Auckland, on Boxing Day 2025.
\nPhoto: Ke-Xin Li \/ RNZ\n<\/p>\n
People should prepare for stormy, wet weather, as they head out on Boxing Day, MetService warned earlier<\/a>.<\/p>\n